Our menu helps to promote growth, increase
energy and boost brainpower in healthy, happy
children from 4 months to 5 years. Inspired
by the best selling author Annabel Karmel, the
meal plan incorporates SuperFoods for babies
and children approved by nutritionist and dieticians
at Great Ormond Street Children’s Hospital.
Eating by colour
SuperFoods are foods that have roles other
than supplying the basic components of our diet
– carbohydrate, protein and fat. Theses
roles may vary boosting energy and brain power
to prevention of illness and even repair of
damage. Researchers estimate that diets filled
with fruits and vegetables instead of fats,
along with exercise, could reduce cancer incidence
by 30 to 40 per cent. Fruit and vegetables rich
in colour such as tomatoes, spinach, oranges
and blueberries can help reduce our risk of
heart disease and cancer. In general the more
colourful the food, the more nutritious it is!
Our menu will change throughout the year to
provide variety for the children as well as
helping to extend their learning opportunities.
We aim to provide fresh produce that the children
will enjoy and benefit from including healthy
breakfast, lunch and snacks.
Why is a healthy diet important for
your oral health?
Every time you eat or drink anything sugary,
your teeth are under acid attack for up to one
hour. This is because the sugar will react with
the bacteria in plaque (the sticky coating on
your teeth) and produce the harmful acids. So
it is important to keep sugary foods only to
mealtimes, limiting the amount of time your
mouth is at risk.
Acidic foods and drinks can be just as harmful
to your teeth. The acid erodes the enamel, exposing
the dentine underneath. This can make the teeth
sensitive and cause them to decay far more quickly.
A diet that is rich in vitamins, minerals and
fresh produce can help to prevent gum disease
. Gum disease can lead to tooth loss and cause
bad breath.
Acidic food and drinks can cause decay. Listed
below are the ‘pH values’ of some
food and drinks. The lower the pH number; the
more acidic the product. Anything with a pH
value lower than 5 may cause tooth decay. ‘Alkalies’
have a high pH number and neutralise the acid
effects of sugars. PH 7 is the middle figure
between acid and alkali.
How should I clean my child’s
teeth?
Cleaning your child’s teeth should be
part of their daily hygiene routine.
You may find it easier to stand or sit behind
your child, cradling their chin in your hand
so you can reach their top and bottom teeth
more easily.
When the first teeth start to come through,
try using a children’s toothbrush with
a small smear of toothpaste.
It is important to supervise your child’s
brushing until they are at least seven.
Once all the teeth have come through, use a
small-headed soft toothbrush in small circular
movements and try to concentrate on one section
at a time.
Don’t forget to brush gently behind the
teeth and onto the gums.
If possible make tooth brushing a routine –
preferably in the morning, and last thing before
your child goes to bed. Remember to encourage
your child, as praise will often get results!
You can get low-fluoride toothpastes, and the
general rule is to use a small smear of toothpaste
up to 5 years; from 5 to 7 use slightly less
than a pea size and a normal pea size from 7
upwards. Children should be supervised up to
the age of 7, and you should make sure that
they spit out the toothpaste and don’t
swallow any if possible.
Source: www.nationalsmileweek.org
Links
www.bounty.com
www.hebsweb.com
Health Education Board Scotland
www.annabelkarmel.com
www.foodmatters.com
www.breastfeeding.co.uk
